Heavy frost has hit Argentine vineyards

Wine producers have assessed vineyards after an unexpected and severe 'heavy frost'. Amid concerns of significant damage in the important Mendoza region. - TEXT EDITORS | IMAGE PEXELS.COM

Heavy frost has hit Argentine vineyards

The extraordinary late frost that occurred in Argentina caused damage to 60% of vineyards in the productive area of the province. And also affected melon and tomato crops for industry, in some cases in a severe way. According to official data, it had temperatures below 2 degrees below zero and is considered one of the largest and most damaging in the past 30 years.

'Normally there are frost forecasts; producers can reduce the impact of frost with irrigation and fires. But what was different this year was that frost was not expected.'

Regional authorities estimate that between 50% and 75% of vineyards in Mendoza have been affected by the erratic weather. But in some cases, producers fear they have lost their entire production.
Vineyards in Patagonia and Salta were also affected by the weather.

The frost burnt the shoots of a year that had been quite productive, judging by the vintners.
In eastern Mendoza, for example, where the shoots were already 20 centimetres and the inflorescences promised a good load of grapes.

Outlook

Everywhere you ask, the outlook is poor. There are areas where total losses are estimated. And others where last week's late frost left almost no trace, but continue. The optimists consider a drop of 10%, the alarmists speak of a loss of half of Argentine production, depending on whether they see the full map or are in a very affected area.

Source: Télam

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